(Especially When You’re Bilingual and Moving Into a New Role!)
The end of the school year always comes with a whirlwind of emotion… and boxes. Whether you’re changing roles, moving rooms, or wrapping up another year, packing up your classroom can feel like a massive task. And when you’re teaching in both French and English? Double the stuff, double the decisions.
This year, I’m not just packing for summer—I’m transitioning into a new role in Student Services. I’ll still be working with Kindergarten students in both French and English, just in a different way. So, I’ve had to be intentional about what I’m packing, how I’m organizing it, and what’s actually worth keeping. Here’s how I’m staying (mostly) sane through the process:
1. Pack by Subject, Not Just by Language
Because I’ll be moving between spaces and supporting different classrooms next year, I’ve decided to pack by subject: Literacy, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Each bin includes both English and French materials for that subject, and I’ve clearly labelled the contents with dividers inside to keep things organized.
Use sturdy bins with clear subject labels on the outside.
Inside each bin, separate French and English resources using labeled folders or zip bags.
Keep materials you actually used this year and let go of the rest.
This way, when I need to support a teacher with a certain concept—say, patterning or beginning sounds—I know exactly where to look.
2. Label Like a Pro
Labelling isn’t just about making things look nice—it’s about making life easier for Future You. Whether you’re in the same classroom next year or bouncing between several (hi, it’s me 👋), clear labels save so much time.
Here’s what I do:
Label each bin by subject (and optionally by season/unit).
Inside, add sticky notes or index cards to indicate what’s in each section (e.g., “Fall Vocabulary – French” or “Alphabet Games – English”).
Make notes of what needs replenishing or copying so you’re not surprised next year.
3. Purge With Purpose
I’m using this move as a chance to be honest about what I actually use. I’ve kept one or two samples of things I really loved, but I’m letting go of:
Worksheets I haven’t touched in years
Resources missing pieces
Things that just didn’t work for my students
If it didn’t serve you this year, it’s okay to let it go. Donate it, recycle it, or pass it on to a teacher who might use it.
4. Create a Grab-and-Go Kit
Even though I won’t have my own classroom, I’ll still need a few go-to materials on hand. I’ve created a portable kit with:
Loose parts
Dice and counters
A few of my most-used visual supports (like vocabulary cards or number lines)
This little bin will travel with me wherever I go—it’s simple, flexible, and has the essentials I know I’ll need.
✨ Stay Connected!
Packing up your classroom is just one piece of the puzzle—if you’re looking for more bilingual teaching tips, organization ideas, and simple resources to support your French and English learners, I’ve got you covered.
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